Lisa Edelstein leaves 'House'

The actress, who plays Dr Gregory House's on-off love interest Dr Lisa Cuddy, confirmed that she has declined to extend her contract due to a desire to pursue other opportunities.

"After much consideration, I am moving onward with a combination of disappointment at leaving behind a character I have loved playing for seven years and excitement of the new opportunities in acting and producing that lie ahead," Edelstein said in a statement.

The 44-year-old later tweeted: "Twitter friends, I am reading all your kind thoughts and it feels great to have such support. You are the best!"

Following the news of Edelstein's departure, as well as confirmation that Hugh Laurie, Olivia Wilde, Peter Jacobson, Robert Sean Leonard and Omar Epps have all signed new contracts, only Jesse Spencer's status is unknown.